Building optimization system and lighting switch with adaptive blind, window and air quality controls

ABSTRACT

A building optimization system for optimizing an environment of a building is disclosed. The building optimization system includes a number of building optimization switches for controlling the environment of a corresponding space in a building according to a plurality of operation modes, as well as any number of modular, interchangeable binary controllers for controlling various environmental factors of a number of zones of a building. The building optimization includes switch an A/B lighting switch having lighting controls and a graphical display. The A/B lighting switch is further connected to one or more sensors for sensing and measuring environmental data of at least one zone of the building. The building optimization switch further includes a binary controller connected with the A/B lighting switch to control an environmental variable of the zone based on user input or the environmental data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No.12/033,831 entitled, “Building Optimization System and Lighting Switch”filed on Feb. 19, 2008, and also claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/041,874,filed on Apr. 2, 2008, entitled, “Building Optimization System”, theentire disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to lighting control switches, and moreparticularly to a network-capable, A/B lighting switch and controlmodule.

Rising energy costs, increasingly tenuous energy supply, andaccelerating environmental damage due to present energy production andconsumption patterns, are just some factors that can be addressed by aneeded new way to operate lighting in a building, withoutinconveniencing the building's occupants.

SUMMARY

This document discloses a building optimization system, and inparticular a building optimization switch, for minimizing the use ofelectric lighting in a building and thereby optimizing a building'senergy use.

The building optimization system includes a number of buildingoptimization switches for controlling the environment of a correspondingspace in a building according to a plurality of operation modes, as wellas any number of modular, interchangeable binary controllers forcontrolling various environmental factors of a number of zones of abuilding. The building optimization includes switch an A/B lightingswitch having lighting controls and a graphical display. The A/Blighting switch is further connected to one or more sensors for sensingand measuring environmental data of at least one zone of the building.The building optimization switch further includes a binary controllerconnected with the A/B lighting switch to control an environmentalvariable of the zone based on user input or the environmental data.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with referenceto the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a high level depiction of a building optimization system foroptimizing energy usage and an environment of a building.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a building optimization switch.

FIG. 3 illustrates a layout of an A/B lighting switch.

FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of a building optimization systemconfiguration for a building.

FIG. 5 shows a building optimization system with adaptive blind control.

FIG. 6 shows a building optimization system with adaptive windowcontrol.

FIG. 7 shows a building optimization system with air quality sensor.

FIG. 8 shows a building optimization system with building optimizationswitch, air quality sensor, adaptive blind control, and adaptive windowcontrol.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary master controller.

FIG. 10 illustrates a personal computer interface for a buildingoptimization system.

FIG. 11 illustrates a module set with communication module and binarycontrol module.

FIGS. 12A-F illustrate various combinations of module sets.

FIGS. 13-20 illustrate a number of exemplary applications of variouscontrol module sets for zone control.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrates a zone remote.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show two alternatives of exemplary weather stations foruse with a building optimization system.

FIGS. 25-29 illustrates various remote switchpacks for connecting andcommunicating with various sensors and/or motors.

FIG. 30 illustrates an after-hours service mode using a key fob.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes a building optimization system utilizing abuilding optimization switch. The building optimization switch providespart of an energy savings control appliance that responds to multipleenvironmental and/or schedule-based conditions, including, but notlimited to: 1) direct, manual override enablement of either or both ofthe A or B controls; 2) time of day and day of week schedule(s), whichreside in a master controller; 3) occupancy state of the controlledenvironment as initiated by a motion sensor (the motion sensor may beincorporated with the switch, or may be wired in tandem with existingexternal motion detection occupancy sensor); 4) programmed peak demandrequirements as mandated by utility provider schedule and power demandrequirements, with programming and scheduling preferably residing withthe master controller; and 5) based upon the measured ambient, direct orindirect light available (via roof sensors) the master controllerdetermines the required light for those zones affected by ambient,direct or indirect light, and sends commands to the buildingoptimization switch to turn lighting off accordingly.

FIG. 1 is a high level depiction of a building optimization system (BOS)100 for optimizing the energy usage of a building. The (BOS) 100 caninclude, without limitation and in various numbers and combinations, abuilding optimization (BO) switch 102, a BO switch with a sensor 104,and/or a BO switch with a blind controller 106, connected by a wirelesscommunications network 108 to a master controller 110. The BO switch 102is network-capable, and acts as a terminal for enabling a string offunctional modules and options, such as temperature control, moisturecontrol, and other options. The wireless communication network 108operates using any wireless communication protocols, such as IEEE802.15.4 or the ZigBee specification of low power digital radiocommunications. The BOS 100 can further include, without limitation andin various numbers and combinations, one or more solar sensors 112 forsensing solar light levels around the building. Each of these componentsof the BOS 100 will be described in greater detail below.

Each BO switch 102 can be contained at least partly in a physicalinterface made of a resilient material such as plastic, aluminum,stainless steel, or other material, and which can be mounted to the wallor other structure. The BO switch 102 also includes a power source,which is preferably derived from either direct building wiring circuitryor internal battery, and will typically be predicated on existingbuilding wiring. The BO switch 102 is used to control the amount ofelectrical lighting used in a space or zone, such as an office or groupof offices. Accordingly, the BO switch 102 can turn off either one, orboth, lighting banks under its control, depending on such factors asuser preferences, or automatically based on ambient light from harvestedlight. Harvested light is light that is generated by sunlight, reflectedlight or some other indirect, ambient lighting source, and available foruse within a space or zone of a building. Each space or zone ismonitored by a A/B lighting control system and controlled to allowharvested light to be adequate or even maximized, to reduce theelectrical lighting requirements of the space or zone being monitored.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a BO switch 102 that includes an A/B lightingswitch 202 and cover plate 204. FIG. 2A is a side view of the A/Blighting switch 202 that can be installed in a wall or other surface ofan office or other area of a building. The A/B lighting switch utilizesstandard light switch electrical power, and as such includes a line 1hot wire 210, line 2 hot wire 212, load 1 switchleg wire 214, load 2switchleg wire 216, a 120V ground wire 218, and a 277V ground wire 220.These wires are preferably connected to the back of the A/B lightingswitch 202 via a modular relay pack 222. FIGS. 11A-F illustrate variousalternative wiring diagrams.

FIG. 3 depicts and illustrates a layout of an A/B lighting switch 202,that is adapted for being powered by conventional lighting power, andwhich includes a wireless transceiver (not shown) for transmission ofenvironmental information of an office or area, such as lighting levels,temperature, occupancy, etc., to the master controller, and for receiptof control signals from the master controller to control variousenvironmental aspects of the office or area, such as lighting,temperature, window blinds, etc. The wireless transceiver is adapted tocommunicate wirelessly with the master controller or various othercomponents.

The A/B lighting switch 202 refers not only to a light switchcapability, but also an interactive computer and display for controllinglighting, receiving environmental data of a zone or set of zones from anumber of sensors or sources, and for processing the environmental datato automatically control or assist the control of lighting, HVAC,windows, blinds, dampers, or other systems. The A/B lighting switch 202also includes communications capabilities, either through a wired orwireless interface, and further includes inputs, outputs and/or accessports for connecting or communicating with any number of othercontrollers, input devices such as key fobs, remote controls, or otherdevices such as wireless handset devices, etc. The A/B lighting switch202, then, functions as a hub on its own, in a building optimizationsystem and network for optimizing the energy and environment of abuilding, down to the zone level.

The A/B lighting switch 202 includes A and B lighting controls 302A and302B, respectively. Each control controls a corresponding bank of lightswithin an office, area or zone in a building. In most conventionalcommercial buildings, the office, area or zone will include only twoindependent and separate banks of lights, but more than two banks oflights can be used. Accordingly, the A/B lighting switch 202 may includemore lighting controls than just the A and B lighting control buttons,labeled as such herein for simplicity and clarity. The lighting controls302A and 302B are preferably spring-activated buttons, or touchsensitive regions on the A/B lighting switch 202, and can be backlitwith a light of a particular color or set of colors that are dependenton a state of the lighting bank. For example, each lighting control 302Aand/or 302B can be backlit with a green light to indicate an “on” stateof the corresponding lighting bank, and backlit with a white light, ornot lit at all, to indicate an “off” state of the corresponding lightbank. Those having skill in the art would recognize that any color ortype of light can be used to indicate such states, and that any lightingsource may be used, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescentlights, or other lights.

The A/B lighting switch 202 further includes a mode control 304,preferably proximate the lighting control 302A and 302B as depicted inFIG. 3. The mode control 304 can be used by a user to control certainmodes or states of a lighting, temperature, moisture, or other buildingoptimization control system, as will be described in further detailbelow. The mode control 304 can also be backlit with different colorlights to indicate different modes. The mode control 304 as well aslighting controls 302A and 302B, can be used in conjunction withcommands or options displayed in a screen 306. The screen 306 ispreferably a color display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) usedin handheld communication devices such as cell phones. The screen 306displays the commands or user options in a first region, preferably nearand corresponding to the lighting controls 302A/B and the mode control304. The screen 306 can also display control and status information inthe form of text and/or graphics, and can also prominently displaydifferent background colors to indicate different modes as selected atleast in part by mode control 304. Such modes are described in greaterdetail below.

The A/B lighting switch 202 further includes a motion detector and/orlight sensor 308 for detecting the presence of an occupant of an officeor area. The motion detector component of the sensor 308 senses foroccupancy of the office or area, and reports the occupancy informationin a wireless data transmission. The motion detector component of thesensor 308 can be connected to automatically control the lighting banksdirectly depending on the occupancy information, or such control can beexecuted by the master controller as described in greater detail below.The light sensor component of the sensor 308 senses and determines alevel of lighting within the office or area, which lighting can be fromsolar light (i.e. outside light from the position and angle of the sunrelative to the office or area), ambient light in the office or area, orfrom the controlled lighting in the office or area. A gasket 309 andassociated screws or other attachment mechanisms allows the front panelto be removed, so that physical wires do not have to be detached inorder to have service work performed on the A/B lighting switch 202.

As will be discussed below, the light sensor component determines andreports lighting level information in a wireless data transmission, foruse by the master controller to automatically control the operation ofthe A and/or B lighting banks in response to such modes as peak demand,energy savings, or solar light level. The light sensor component mayalso control the lighting banks directly, i.e. for high solar lightinglevels, turning off the B and/or A lights automatically until the solarlevel decreases to a setpoint level.

In some implementations, the A/B lighting switch 202 further includes atemperature sensor 310 to sense temperature data and report temperatureinformation to the master controller in a wireless data transmission.The sensed temperature can be displayed on screen 306 to assist a userto control the temperature in the office or area. The master controllercan use the temperature information to control air conditioning and/orheating systems, including ducts and vents via mechanical controlsystems. The BO switch 102 preferably includes a gasket around thefaceplate, to prevent the temperature sensor 316 from sensingtemperature of air from inside the wall where the BO switch 102 ismounted, and instead enabling an accurate reading only of thetemperature within the office or space.

The A/B lighting switch 202 can further include an override on/offswitch for local hard “off,” “on” and restarting capability. In someimplementations, the A/B lighting switch 202 includes a speaker 312,such as a solid state piezo sounder, for sounding out alarm, status ormode signals, or for broadcasting voice signals, received by the A/Blighting switch via its transceiver. A service port 314 can be providedon the face of the A/B lighting switch, and adapted to receive a servicekey 316 for the transfer of programming or instruction data via theservice key. The service key 316 can include a data communicationinterface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface for connectingto a laptop computer or other computing device such as a handheldcomputing device or desktop computer. In some implementations, when aservice key 316 is inserted into the service port 314, the A/B lightingswitch automatically enters a “service” mode, in which it can bereprogrammed, updated, or controlled from an external computing source.In other implementations, the service key 316 can be limited to anafter-hours service key, which can be inserted into the A/B lightingswitch to request after-hours lighting or other service. Accordingly,the A/B lighting switch further includes a processor and memory (notshown) for storing and executing instructions, i.e., from the servicekey 316 or user-supplied via for optimizing a building.

The A/B lighting switch 202 includes a mounting bracket 318 for mountingthe A/B lighting switch 202 in the space of a conventional light switch.The mounting bracket 318 includes a number of holes, each for receivinga screw to hold the A/B lighting switch 202 in place. The mountingbracket 318 can further include breakaway tabs 320 for center mountingof the A/B lighting switch 202 in the space of a conventional lightswitch. The A/B lighting switch 202 further includes an overrideoff-switch 322 for turning off the function of the A/B lighting switch202, and/or restarting the A/B lighting switch.

FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of a BOS configuration for abuilding 400. The building is segregated into four basic segments:north, south, east and west. These orientations for the segmentation areapproximate, and may represent other alignments of the building.Further, the designations of the segments can be changed based onseasonal characteristics and building shape or orientation. Othersegregations are possible, such as only east and west, for example. Eachsegment includes a solar sensor 112 attached to an external surface ofthe building 400 within the segment. The solar sensor 112 senses anamount of solar light being received by the associated segment, such asfull sun, partial sun, ambient light in the shade, etc. Each solarsensor 112 determines light level information from the sensed solarlight, and includes a wireless transceiver or transmitter to wirelesslytransmit the light level information to the master controller 110, whichreceives the light level information to generate control signals tocontrol the A/B lighting switches 102 placed at various locations withinthe building.

In some implementations of the BOS configuration, the solar sensors 112are installed on the top floor windows. Each floor of the building caninclude up to 254 A/B lighting switches 102, which includes peripheralareas as well as interior areas 402 of the building 400. In preferredimplementations, each floor of the building 400 also includes only onemaster controller 110, however other configurations may be suitable. Thesensors 112 and all other components may communicate with a lightweather station 404, preferably located on the roof or other locationproximate to the building, for receiving ambient weather condition data,such as temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure, etc., which canaffect an algorithm for operating the switches of each floor of thebuilding. All of the components of the BOS configuration communicatewireless via a wireless mesh network. However, other wirelesscommunication technologies may also be used.

The A/B lighting switches 102 can be configured for operating accordingto a number of different modes. Basic modes are described below, and aperson of skill in the art would recognize that the names used for eachmode are for illustrative purposes only, and have no limiting effect.Rather, the functionality of each mode is described under generaltitles. Further, the different modes can have combined orcross-functional capabilities. The A/B lighting switch 102 can beprogrammed for controlling the A and/or B lights of a room. Further, theA/B lighting switch 102 can also be connected with a binary controllerto control blinds and/or windows of a room, or for controlling theopening and closing of dampers, for example. In some implementations, aremote control can be used to control the operations of the A/B lightingswitch 102.

The binary controller can take the form of a user-interactive switchcontroller with user-selectable buttons, for being connected to the A/Blighting switch 202 in the same faceplate, and have the same generalform factor. The binary controller can also take the form of a binarycontrol module, which itself has a number of implementations. Eachbinary control module includes data communication ports on oppositesides of a housing, for simple interconnection and mounting within abuilding, as will be described and shown in further detail below.

FIG. 5A shows a BO switch 500 with adaptive blind control. The BO switch500 includes an A/B lighting switch 502 and a blind control 504. Inpreferred implementations, each of the A/B lighting switch 502 and blindcontrol 504 are sized and adapted to occupy a single standard lightswitch slot in a face plate. The A/B lighting switch 502 includes agraphical user interface 506 displayed on a screen 508, as generallydescribed above. The blind control 504 includes a number of controlbuttons, such as a blinds open button 510, a blinds closed button 512and general purpose return button 514.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the A/B lighting switch 502 is connected to theblind control 504 by at least one communication link 503. Thecommunication link 503 can be a wired electrical path, or a wirelesspath. The communication link 503 can communicate signals from the blindcontrol 504 to the A/B lighting switch 502 so that the A/B lightingswitch 502 can display status and control information to a user on thescreen 508. For example, the A/B lighting switch 502 can display amessage to indicate the blinds in an associated room will be controlledautomatically based on a user selection of the control buttons on theblind control 504. The screen 508 and graphical user interface 506 canalso display a degree, such as a percentage, of how open or closed theblinds are at any given moment. The blind control 504 further includesat least one communication output that can connect the blind control 504serially to another control or A/B lighting switch 502, and furtherincludes a control output 516 for electrically controlling themechanical blinds. The control output 516 can also be used as acommunication connection to communicate control signals to otherdevices.

Similarly, a building optimization system can include an adaptive windowcontrol 600 as shown in FIGS. 6A-B. FIG. 6A shows a BO switch 600 withadaptive window control, and which includes an A/B lighting switch 602and a window control 604. In preferred implementations, each of the A/Blighting switch 602 and window control 604 are sized and adapted tooccupy a single standard light switch slot in a face plate. The A/Blighting switch 602 includes a graphical user interface 606 displayed ona screen 608, as generally described above. The window control 604includes a number of control buttons, such as a window open button 610,a window closed button 612 and general purpose return button 614.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the A/B lighting switch 602 is connected to thewindow control 604 by at least one communication link 603. Thecommunication link 603 can be a wired electrical path, such as a switchbus, or a wireless path. The communication link 603 can communicatesignals from the window control 604 to the A/B lighting switch 602 sothat the A/B lighting switch 602 can display status and controlinformation to a user on the screen 608. For example, the A/B lightingswitch 602 can display a message to indicate the windows in anassociated room will be controlled automatically based on a userselection of the control buttons on the window control 604. The screen608 and graphical user interface 606 can also display a degree, such asa percentage, of how open or closed the windows are at any given moment.The window control 604 further includes at least one communicationoutput that can connect the window control 604 serially to anothercontrol or A/B lighting switch 602, and further includes a controloutput 616 for electrically controlling the windows. The control output616 can also be used as a communication connection to communicatecontrol signals to other devices.

In most conventional buildings, a huge amount of energy is wasted forheating and cooling air in order to meet clean air standards within thebuilding. Accordingly, a building optimization system can include a CO2sensor and control. FIG. 7A-B show a front view and a back view,respectively, of a building optimization system 700 that includes a A/Blighting switch 702 and a CO2 sensor 704. The A/B lighting switch 702and CO2 sensor 704 can be sized and adapted to fit within a standardlight switch slot in a face plate, and can be connected together in adouble-slot face plate, or separately in different face plates.

The CO2 sensor 704 includes one or more sensors 706 for detecting anamount of CO2 in the surrounding air. A measurement logic circuit withinthe CO2 sensor measures the amount of CO2 detected in the air, and canprovide an output representing that measurement. The output can be inthe form of an air quality reading 708, or some other graphical ornumerical output. The measurement or any other information related toair quality can also be displayed on screen 710 of the A/B lightingswitch 702, which can be connected to the CO2 sensor 704 viacommunication link 705. The measurement of air quality can betransmitted to a master controller or an air conditioning controller forcontrolling an amount of airflow based on the measurement, such that theairflow efficiency is maximized while air quality standards are stillmet. The detection of CO2 and measurement of air quality can beperformed periodically (i.e. every 10 minutes) or manually by user input(either to the CO2 sensor 704 or to the A/B lighting switch 702), orcontinuously in an automated process.

FIG. 8 shows a BO switch 800 having a A/B lighting switch 802, a CO2sensor 804, a blind control 806, and a window control 808, all of whichcan be integrated and connected together in a common face plate thatfits into a wall of a room of a building. The A/B lighting switch 802, aCO2 sensor 804, a blind control 806, and a window control 808 can beconnected serially, and each can have its own identifier or dataaddress, such that each can be independently controlled or addressed,particularly if the A/B lighting switch 802, a CO2 sensor 804, a blindcontrol 806, and a window control 808 are all connected together in awireless mesh network, such as through the A/B lighting switch 802.

A building optimization system can include a master controller. FIG. 9shows a master controller 900 can include a casing or housing 901, withindicator lights 902. The master controller 900 further includes anantenna 904 for wirelessly communicating with other components of thebuilding optimization system, including one or more A/B lightingswitches, window controls, blind controls, etc. The master controller900 preferably includes an IP interface 906, such as a BACNetconnection, and a serial port 908, such as an RS-232 serial port. Themaster controller 900 further includes one or more switches 910, 912,for controlling the operation of lights outside of a zone associatedwith a BO switch, such as a lobby or common hallway. A number of mastercontrollers 900, which are preferably all associated with one building,can be connected together through a network switch, such as an Ethernetswitch. The network switch can also connect with the Internet, and/or tothe building's energy management system, i.e. a server and set ofcontrollers for controlling lighting and/or HVAC systems.

In alternative implementations, a PC interface 1000 can be used forcontrolling any of the switches or controls, as shown in FIG. 10. The PCinterface 1000 can be connected to a personal computer, such as adesktop, laptop or handheld computer, via connector such as a USB port,and, along with software loaded onto the personal computer, can beoperated for performing most or all of the functions of a mastercontroller, i.e. to interface with all switches and controls, and forreceiving information from sensors, for optimal environmental control ofa building. The PC interface 1000 is particularly suited for smallerapplications.

Some implementations of a building optimization system can include abinary control module 1100, as shown in FIG. 11. The binary controlmodule 1100 is preferably contained in a housing having a two-waycommunication link 1104 and physical port on opposite sides of thehousing, so that it can be connected with a communication module 1102 orother binary control modules 1100. The binary control module 1100includes a number of relays for connecting and controlling individualelectrical devices, such as lights, motorized flues, dampers, switchesetc.

The communication module 1102 includes communication processors and anantenna, for wireless two-way communication and control with a mastercontroller, or one or more BO switches, for adaptive zone control of abuilding. The communication module 1102 can also include a service portfor receiving a fob, which can program the communication module 1102 orreceive a data download from the communication module 1102. Theinterconnected devices can be attached to a standard din rail in thedata closet of a building, for example, for ease of installation anduse. The two-way communication link 1104 can also include a USB port.Accordingly, no cabling or difficult wiring is necessary to connect thedevices, and they can be interconnected in any order.

FIGS. 12A-F illustrate various applications of a binary control module1100. FIG. 12A shows an extended lighting control system having twobinary control modules connected together with a communications module.Each of the binary control modules can control separate lighting banks,i.e. in separate geographic locations, or on different floors, indifferent buildings, etc. FIG. 12B shows a binary control module beingused for A/C unit control. FIG. 12C illustrates a binary control modulebeing used for A/C unit control, and including a bypass module 1202 thatincludes sensors for sensing high and low static pressure and a bypassdamper control output that can be connected to control a bypass damperof an A/C unit. The system of FIG. 12C also includes an office controlmodule 1204 to communicate with and control independent zones or officesvia individual telecommunications links. FIG. 12D shows a module setthat includes a communication module and a VAV module 1206 forcontrolling a variable volume (VAV) terminal, or “VAV box.” The VAVmodule includes low and high velocity sensors for differentiallydetermining a velocity within a conduit, a valve control, and a dampercontrol. The module set in FIG. 12D can be used with an office controlmodule, as shown in FIG. 12E. FIG. 12F shows a multiplexed zonecontroller, which uses multiplex technology to efficiently control anumber of individual zones with only one input (velocity sensing) andone output (damper control). Other various combinations of modules arealso possible.

FIG. 13 further illustrates a binary control module and a communicationmodule installed in an A/C unit and connected to a number of individualBO switches residing in respective individual offices. All switches andcontrollers are self-powered by the lighting wiring, and thus do notrequire network or power wiring. Each of the BO switches influences howthe A/C unit controls a set point in each respective office, via thebinary control module and communication module set. FIG. 14 shows asimilar arrangement, but including a damper attached to a number of theair conduits. The damper is controlled by a damper motor, which is inturn electrically governed by a BO switch, as instructed locally or viathe module set (i.e. binary control module connected with communicationmodule, or any other combination of modules as described above).

FIG. 15 shows yet another arrangement for use with an A/C unit in whicheach air conduit includes its own damper, and including a bypass conduitthat is used in case the dampers to all offices are in a closedposition. Pressure in the bypass conduit is measured by a bypass module,which in turn controls the damper in the bypass conduit. The officecontrol module is connected to each damper for individual dampercontrol. FIG. 16 shows another arrangement similar to the arrangementshown in FIG. 15, but using a velocity sensor in each conduit to provideto the module set to control each zone damper. FIG. 17 illustrates theuse of the module set shown in FIG. 12D for controlling a variablevolume (VAV) terminal, or “VAV box,” for single point of controlling airflow to multiple zones or offices. This arrangement uses a VAV modulehaving an input for sensing and measuring air velocity through aconduit, and a control communication output that controls the damper ofthe VAV box based on the measured velocity. FIG. 18 illustrates a moduleset in a VAV box, where the module set includes a VAV module and anoffice control module for controlling individual dampers on eachindividual conduit. FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a multiplexed zonecontroller module set for controlling multiple dampers using input datafrom a single VAV box.

The switches, sensors and controls in each zone or office of a buildingcan be controlled by a zone remote. FIG. 21 shows a side view and frontview of a zone remote 1210. The zone remote 1210 includes a screen 1212for displaying a graphical user interface, and a number of functionbuttons. An A/B lighting switch button set 1214, together with thescreen 1212, functions identically to the buttons and screen of a A/Blighting switch as described above. A blind control button set 1216controls selected blinds in a zone, and a window control button set 1218controls selected windows in a zone. The zone remote 1210 can furtherinclude a service port 1220 for configuring the zone remote from anexternal programming source, or for charging a battery of the zoneremote 1210. FIG. 21 also shows various exemplary graphics and textmessages in the screen 1212 based on a user selection of specificbuttons in the various button sets.

Each zone remote can be programmed to be a master remote. A masterremote enables an office manager to have the ability to control theirentire suite or a specific office from a single interface. For example,to control a selected area, the mode button can be pressed for apredetermined length of time (i.e. 5 seconds) to activate the “selectarea” menu, as shown in FIG. 22A. To select a different area, the “next”button can be pressed until the desired area is highlighted, as shown inFIG. 22B. Finally, once highlighted, the “select” button can be pressedto select the desired zone, as shown in FIG. 22C.

As described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/033,831, filed Feb.19, 2008, and entitled BUILDING OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND LIGHTING SWITCH,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes, the BO switch and BO systems can utilize input from a varietyof sensors that sense ambient light levels, temperature, human bodymovement, and other variables. In some implementations, a specializedweather station can be used to collect, measure and provide a variety ofdata to the building optimization system, in order to optimally match abuilding's controlled use of lighting, heating and air systems to anygiven atmospheric or current weather conditions or demands. FIG. 23shows an example of a full-featured weather station, that can be placedon a roof of a building, for example, or can be installed in a locationremote from the building. FIG. 24 shows an example of a light weatherstation that includes air humidity, air temperature, and solar sensors,and a wireless communication system for transmitting sensed and measureddata wirelessly to a master controller and/or any selected BO switch orother controller.

The building optimization system provides for modular and scalablecontrol of a building's energy use and efficiency. The modularity andscalability is enabled at least in part by a number of switchpacks, asshown in FIGS. 25A-C. FIG. 25A shows a remote relay pack module coupledto a A/B lighting switch. FIG. 25B shows a remote switchpack with awindow status communication interface, an external motion sensorcommunication interface, and a wired communication interface. FIG. 25Cshows a similar remote switchpack as in FIG. 25B, but with a zone dampercommunication interface. The zone damper communication interface ispreferably a tri-state output communication interface. FIG. 25D showsyet another remote switchpack, with a wired communication interface, anexternal sensor communication interface, and a dimmable ballastcommunication interface. Other combinations of communication interfacesin a remote switchpack are possible.

FIG. 26 illustrates the use of a A/B lighting switch with remoteswitchpack and a second remote switchpack, for connecting andcommunicating with an external motion sensor. FIG. 27 illustrates theuse of a A/B lighting switch with remote switchpack and a second remoteswitchpack with damper control for connecting and controlling both anexternal motion sensor and a zone damper and motor. FIG. 28 illustratesa A/B lighting switch with remote switchpack connected with a secondremote switchpack with dimmable ballast control for connecting andcontrolling both an external motion sensor and a dimmable ballast andfixture. FIG. 29 illustrates a A/B lighting switch with remoteswitchpack connected with a serial switchpack, for connecting andcommunicating with one or more external motion sensors that areconnected in series.

With reference to FIG. 3, a system and method for an afterhours servicemode is illustrated in FIG. 30. A key fob 1252 is inserted into aservice port of the BOS switch 1250. The key fob 1252 can include a portconnection interface, such as a male USB connector, firewire connector,or any other data connector. The key fob 1252 can also include memorythat can be accessed through the service port. The memory can store datarepresenting an identifier of the user, user permissions to access theafterhours service, and instructions for executing a method for orderingafterhours service via the BOS switch 1250. The key fob 1252 may alsoinclude physical switches or input buttons for receiving limited inputinstructions from a user, but more preferably the key fob 1252 isprogrammed by a remote computer, and acts as a “dumb” terminal toactivate and execute the afterhours service mode.

As shown in FIG. 30A, the key fob 1252 is inserted into the serviceport, and the BOS switch 1250, recognizing the key fob 1252, provides adisplay of selectable service types, such as afterhours HVAC and lights,or just lights only. Other service types are possible. Once the userselects a service type, at FIG. 30B the A/B lighting switch 1250provides a display that lets the user manipulate the keys or buttons toset the requested or required hours for afterhours service. Once thehours are set, at FIG. 30C a total cost for the requested afterhoursservice is provided on the A/B lighting switch, which can be accepted orcanceled by the user. At FIG. 30D, the results of the user's actionwhether to accept or cancel the service is confirmed on the A/B lightingswitch display. During all or part of this method, the BO switch canwirelessly communicate with a master controller or other computer toorder the requested afterhours services, create the billing for theuser, and generate a record of the method.

Some or all of the functional operations described in this specificationcan be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computersoftware, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed inthis specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinationsof them. Functional aspects of the building optimization system can beimplemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or moremodules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer readablemedium, e.g., a machine readable storage device, a machine readablestorage medium, a memory device, or a machine-readable propagatedsignal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, dataprocessing apparatus.

The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus, devices,and machines for processing data, including by way of example aprogrammable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers.The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates anexecution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., codethat constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a databasemanagement system, an operating system, or a combination of them. Apropagated signal is an artificially generated signal, e.g., amachine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, thatis generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiverapparatus.

A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, anapplication, a software application, a script, or code) can be writtenin any form of programming language, including compiled or interpretedlanguages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unitsuitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does notnecessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can bestored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g.,one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a singlefile dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinatedfiles (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, orportions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed onone computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site ordistributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communicationnetwork.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can beperformed by one or more programmable processors executing one or morecomputer programs to perform functions by operating on input data andgenerating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performedby, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devicesfor storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will alsoinclude, or be operatively coupled to, a communication interface toreceive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storagedevices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, oroptical disks.

Implementations of the building optimization system can include acomputing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a dataserver, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an applicationserver, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the invention, or any combinationof such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components ofthe system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital datacommunication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communicationnetworks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network(“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, othermodifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope ofthe following claims.

1. A building optimization system comprising: a binary controller toreceive user input for communicating control signals to a mechanicaldevice in a zone of the building; and an A/B lighting switch connectedwith the binary controller for controlling at least first and secondlighting banks of the zone, the A/B lighting switch comprising first andsecond lighting controls for manually operating the first and secondlighting banks, a motion sensor for detecting occupancy of the zone,logic responsive to input signals from the first and second lightingcontrols or the motion sensor for controlling the first and secondlighting banks, and a graphical display screen adapted to display agraphical user interface by which an occupant of the building canprogram the A/B lighting switch and receive data related to each of aplurality of operation modes, the graphical user interface furtherconfigured to display a state of the binary controller.
 2. The buildingoptimization system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the binarycontroller is a window control to control the opening or closing of oneor more windows associated with the zone.
 3. The building optimizationsystem in accordance with claim 1, wherein the binary controller is ablinds control to control the opening or closing of one or more blindsassociated with the zone.
 4. The building optimization system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the binary controller is adapted forautomatic operation under instruction of a building optimization switch,the building optimization switch comprising the A/B lighting switch. 5.The building optimization system in accordance with claim 4, wherein theA/B lighting switch is connected with a temperature sensor.
 6. Thebuilding optimization system in accordance with claim 5, wherein theautomatic operation of the binary controller is based at least in parton a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
 7. A buildingoptimization system comprising: a building optimization switchcomprising an A/B lighting switch having lighting controls and agraphical display, the A/B lighting switch being further connected toone or more sensors for sensing and measuring environmental data of atleast one zone of the building, the building optimization switch furtherincluding a binary controller connected with the A/B lighting switch tocontrol an environmental variable of the zone based on user input or theenvironmental data; and a master controller connected with the buildingoptimization switch for tracking energy usage and generating reportsbased on activities of the building optimization switch.